Reasons to give for refusing a smart meter

[Deleted User]

Deleted_User said:

Deleted_User said:

Glass1970 said:

Hi all,
We're on that dreaded THTC tariff no-one knows about and I know time is running out and SSE will be wanting to change us over and I suspect they will use the opportunity to force a smart meter on us.
I don't really fancy one because of what I've heard about energy companies all to readily switching them into pre-payment modes.
I know I'll be told I'll be getting a new meter soon but I'd prefer a non-smart meter.
Does anyone know if these still exist or are they all smart meters now. And if so I think I'll need to quote the rule book to them so they don't force a smart meter on us. Can anyone tell me what I should say?
Thanks.

If they truly do have the legal right to install a smart meter against your will, and the will to exercise that right then there's little you can do - short of going off-grid.

Most people don't have the cash to test this in the courts. So quite frankly - the energy companies will be aware that they can coerce people into giving permission for this. Lets just say they have a vested interest in letting people believe that they have legal rights when really they don't. 

I think the best thing to do is write to them (recorded delivery), tell them you do not want a smart meter and ask them to tell you what the process will be if you don't give your permission. Ask them what the process will be (and who will cover the costs) if you refuse a smart meter and instead instruct them to move their faulty equipment from your home. Ask them to confirm that the only way to avoid having a smart meter (that you categorically do not want for your own personal reasons) is to be disconnected from the National Grid. 

Get them to put it all in writing. They won't be so keen to lie or mislead you in writing so ask very specific questions. 

It's section 39 of the electricity supply standard licence conditions (IIRC).

What those adamant that they won't have a smart meter need to do is get these answers, in writing, from their energy company. What matters is what your individual energy company intends to do when you outright refuse to have a smart meter. Once you have their intention in writing you can decide your next steps.  

Do the energy companies really want to back people into a corner so that their only way out is to be disconnected from the National Grid?  Maybe they do. Maybe not. Get  your energy companies intentions in writing before making any decisions. 

Bea63

Smart meter lets me know if I use my toaster I use a lot of electricity..so no more toast/crumpets..

[Deleted User]

Deleted_User said:

Deleted_User said:

Deleted_User said:

Glass1970 said:

Hi all,
We're on that dreaded THTC tariff no-one knows about and I know time is running out and SSE will be wanting to change us over and I suspect they will use the opportunity to force a smart meter on us.
I don't really fancy one because of what I've heard about energy companies all to readily switching them into pre-payment modes.
I know I'll be told I'll be getting a new meter soon but I'd prefer a non-smart meter.
Does anyone know if these still exist or are they all smart meters now. And if so I think I'll need to quote the rule book to them so they don't force a smart meter on us. Can anyone tell me what I should say?
Thanks.

If they truly do have the legal right to install a smart meter against your will, and the will to exercise that right then there's little you can do - short of going off-grid.

Most people don't have the cash to test this in the courts. So quite frankly - the energy companies will be aware that they can coerce people into giving permission for this. Lets just say they have a vested interest in letting people believe that they have legal rights when really they don't. 

I think the best thing to do is write to them (recorded delivery), tell them you do not want a smart meter and ask them to tell you what the process will be if you don't give your permission. Ask them what the process will be (and who will cover the costs) if you refuse a smart meter and instead instruct them to move their faulty equipment from your home. Ask them to confirm that the only way to avoid having a smart meter (that you categorically do not want for your own personal reasons) is to be disconnected from the National Grid. 

Get them to put it all in writing. They won't be so keen to lie or mislead you in writing so ask very specific questions. 

It's section 39 of the electricity supply standard licence conditions (IIRC).

What those adamant that they won't have a smart meter need to do is get these answers, in writing, from their energy company. What matters is what your individual energy company intends to do when you outright refuse to have a smart meter. Once you have their intention in writing you can decide your next steps.  

Do the energy companies really want to back people into a corner so that their only way out is to be disconnected from the National Grid?  Maybe they do. Maybe not. Get  your energy companies intentions in writing before making any decisions. 

What an odd suggestion.  

[Deleted User]

[Deleted User] said:

Deleted_User said:

Deleted_User said:

Deleted_User said:

Glass1970 said:

Hi all,
We're on that dreaded THTC tariff no-one knows about and I know time is running out and SSE will be wanting to change us over and I suspect they will use the opportunity to force a smart meter on us.
I don't really fancy one because of what I've heard about energy companies all to readily switching them into pre-payment modes.
I know I'll be told I'll be getting a new meter soon but I'd prefer a non-smart meter.
Does anyone know if these still exist or are they all smart meters now. And if so I think I'll need to quote the rule book to them so they don't force a smart meter on us. Can anyone tell me what I should say?
Thanks.

If they truly do have the legal right to install a smart meter against your will, and the will to exercise that right then there's little you can do - short of going off-grid.

Most people don't have the cash to test this in the courts. So quite frankly - the energy companies will be aware that they can coerce people into giving permission for this. Lets just say they have a vested interest in letting people believe that they have legal rights when really they don't. 

I think the best thing to do is write to them (recorded delivery), tell them you do not want a smart meter and ask them to tell you what the process will be if you don't give your permission. Ask them what the process will be (and who will cover the costs) if you refuse a smart meter and instead instruct them to move their faulty equipment from your home. Ask them to confirm that the only way to avoid having a smart meter (that you categorically do not want for your own personal reasons) is to be disconnected from the National Grid. 

Get them to put it all in writing. They won't be so keen to lie or mislead you in writing so ask very specific questions. 

It's section 39 of the electricity supply standard licence conditions (IIRC).

What those adamant that they won't have a smart meter need to do is get these answers, in writing, from their energy company. What matters is what your individual energy company intends to do when you outright refuse to have a smart meter. Once you have their intention in writing you can decide your next steps.  

Do the energy companies really want to back people into a corner so that their only way out is to be disconnected from the National Grid?  Maybe they do. Maybe not. Get  your energy companies intentions in writing before making any decisions. 

What an odd suggestion.  

There's no point going off half-cocked until you know exactly what the intention of the energy companies are. They may well just say 'no worries - we can find a way to let you keep your old meter (or a like-for-like swap)'. They're under pressure to get as many people onto smart meters as possible so of course they'll try it on. But if you make your position clear - in writing - you may well find that they consider forcing the issue to be more bother than it's worth. 

Once you know EXACTLY what their position is you can make an informed decision as to what to do next. 

MattMattMattUK

Deleted_User said:

Deleted_User said:

Deleted_User said:

Deleted_User said:

Deleted_User said:

Glass1970 said:

Hi all,
We're on that dreaded THTC tariff no-one knows about and I know time is running out and SSE will be wanting to change us over and I suspect they will use the opportunity to force a smart meter on us.
I don't really fancy one because of what I've heard about energy companies all to readily switching them into pre-payment modes.
I know I'll be told I'll be getting a new meter soon but I'd prefer a non-smart meter.
Does anyone know if these still exist or are they all smart meters now. And if so I think I'll need to quote the rule book to them so they don't force a smart meter on us. Can anyone tell me what I should say?
Thanks.

If they truly do have the legal right to install a smart meter against your will, and the will to exercise that right then there's little you can do - short of going off-grid.

Most people don't have the cash to test this in the courts. So quite frankly - the energy companies will be aware that they can coerce people into giving permission for this. Lets just say they have a vested interest in letting people believe that they have legal rights when really they don't. 

I think the best thing to do is write to them (recorded delivery), tell them you do not want a smart meter and ask them to tell you what the process will be if you don't give your permission. Ask them what the process will be (and who will cover the costs) if you refuse a smart meter and instead instruct them to move their faulty equipment from your home. Ask them to confirm that the only way to avoid having a smart meter (that you categorically do not want for your own personal reasons) is to be disconnected from the National Grid. 

Get them to put it all in writing. They won't be so keen to lie or mislead you in writing so ask very specific questions. 

It's section 39 of the electricity supply standard licence conditions (IIRC).

What those adamant that they won't have a smart meter need to do is get these answers, in writing, from their energy company. What matters is what your individual energy company intends to do when you outright refuse to have a smart meter. Once you have their intention in writing you can decide your next steps.  

Do the energy companies really want to back people into a corner so that their only way out is to be disconnected from the National Grid?  Maybe they do. Maybe not. Get  your energy companies intentions in writing before making any decisions. 

What an odd suggestion.  

There's no point going off half-cocked until you know exactly what the intention of the energy companies are. They may well just say 'no worries - we can find a way to let you keep your old meter (or a like-for-like swap)'. They're under pressure to get as many people onto smart meters as possible so of course they'll try it on. But if you make your position clear - in writing - you may well find that they consider forcing the issue to be more bother than it's worth. 

Once you know EXACTLY what their position is you can make an informed decision as to what to do next. 

People refusing smart meters are not making informed decisions. People can subscribe to conspiracy theories if they want, but that should have no impact on national infrastructure, nor should those people be pandered to.

[Deleted User]

MattMattMattUK said:

Deleted_User said:

Deleted_User said:

Deleted_User said:

Deleted_User said:

Deleted_User said:

Glass1970 said:

Hi all,
We're on that dreaded THTC tariff no-one knows about and I know time is running out and SSE will be wanting to change us over and I suspect they will use the opportunity to force a smart meter on us.
I don't really fancy one because of what I've heard about energy companies all to readily switching them into pre-payment modes.
I know I'll be told I'll be getting a new meter soon but I'd prefer a non-smart meter.
Does anyone know if these still exist or are they all smart meters now. And if so I think I'll need to quote the rule book to them so they don't force a smart meter on us. Can anyone tell me what I should say?
Thanks.

If they truly do have the legal right to install a smart meter against your will, and the will to exercise that right then there's little you can do - short of going off-grid.

Most people don't have the cash to test this in the courts. So quite frankly - the energy companies will be aware that they can coerce people into giving permission for this. Lets just say they have a vested interest in letting people believe that they have legal rights when really they don't. 

I think the best thing to do is write to them (recorded delivery), tell them you do not want a smart meter and ask them to tell you what the process will be if you don't give your permission. Ask them what the process will be (and who will cover the costs) if you refuse a smart meter and instead instruct them to move their faulty equipment from your home. Ask them to confirm that the only way to avoid having a smart meter (that you categorically do not want for your own personal reasons) is to be disconnected from the National Grid. 

Get them to put it all in writing. They won't be so keen to lie or mislead you in writing so ask very specific questions. 

It's section 39 of the electricity supply standard licence conditions (IIRC).

What those adamant that they won't have a smart meter need to do is get these answers, in writing, from their energy company. What matters is what your individual energy company intends to do when you outright refuse to have a smart meter. Once you have their intention in writing you can decide your next steps.  

Do the energy companies really want to back people into a corner so that their only way out is to be disconnected from the National Grid?  Maybe they do. Maybe not. Get  your energy companies intentions in writing before making any decisions. 

What an odd suggestion.  

There's no point going off half-cocked until you know exactly what the intention of the energy companies are. They may well just say 'no worries - we can find a way to let you keep your old meter (or a like-for-like swap)'. They're under pressure to get as many people onto smart meters as possible so of course they'll try it on. But if you make your position clear - in writing - you may well find that they consider forcing the issue to be more bother than it's worth. 

Once you know EXACTLY what their position is you can make an informed decision as to what to do next. 

People refusing smart meters are not making informed decisions. People can subscribe to conspiracy theories if they want, but that should have no impact on national infrastructure, not should those people be pandered to.

It's all starting to get a bit "Freeman on the Land".

[Deleted User]

[Deleted User] said:

MattMattMattUK said:

Deleted_User said:

Deleted_User said:

Deleted_User said:

Deleted_User said:

Deleted_User said:

Glass1970 said:

Hi all,
We're on that dreaded THTC tariff no-one knows about and I know time is running out and SSE will be wanting to change us over and I suspect they will use the opportunity to force a smart meter on us.
I don't really fancy one because of what I've heard about energy companies all to readily switching them into pre-payment modes.
I know I'll be told I'll be getting a new meter soon but I'd prefer a non-smart meter.
Does anyone know if these still exist or are they all smart meters now. And if so I think I'll need to quote the rule book to them so they don't force a smart meter on us. Can anyone tell me what I should say?
Thanks.

If they truly do have the legal right to install a smart meter against your will, and the will to exercise that right then there's little you can do - short of going off-grid.

Most people don't have the cash to test this in the courts. So quite frankly - the energy companies will be aware that they can coerce people into giving permission for this. Lets just say they have a vested interest in letting people believe that they have legal rights when really they don't. 

I think the best thing to do is write to them (recorded delivery), tell them you do not want a smart meter and ask them to tell you what the process will be if you don't give your permission. Ask them what the process will be (and who will cover the costs) if you refuse a smart meter and instead instruct them to move their faulty equipment from your home. Ask them to confirm that the only way to avoid having a smart meter (that you categorically do not want for your own personal reasons) is to be disconnected from the National Grid. 

Get them to put it all in writing. They won't be so keen to lie or mislead you in writing so ask very specific questions. 

It's section 39 of the electricity supply standard licence conditions (IIRC).

What those adamant that they won't have a smart meter need to do is get these answers, in writing, from their energy company. What matters is what your individual energy company intends to do when you outright refuse to have a smart meter. Once you have their intention in writing you can decide your next steps.  

Do the energy companies really want to back people into a corner so that their only way out is to be disconnected from the National Grid?  Maybe they do. Maybe not. Get  your energy companies intentions in writing before making any decisions. 

What an odd suggestion.  

There's no point going off half-cocked until you know exactly what the intention of the energy companies are. They may well just say 'no worries - we can find a way to let you keep your old meter (or a like-for-like swap)'. They're under pressure to get as many people onto smart meters as possible so of course they'll try it on. But if you make your position clear - in writing - you may well find that they consider forcing the issue to be more bother than it's worth. 

Once you know EXACTLY what their position is you can make an informed decision as to what to do next. 

People refusing smart meters are not making informed decisions. People can subscribe to conspiracy theories if they want, but that should have no impact on national infrastructure, not should those people be pandered to.

It's all starting to get a bit "Freeman on the Land".

Sorry - you've lost me with that! LOL

It's just standard practice in pretty much anything. Before deciding upon a course of action find out for certain what you're dealing with. Get things in writing. I'm sure we were taught that at school in the 70's! Certainly it's what my (Civil Servant) dad always taught me!! 

GingerTim

[Deleted User] said:

MattMattMattUK said:

Deleted_User said:

Deleted_User said:

Deleted_User said:

Deleted_User said:

Deleted_User said:

Glass1970 said:

Hi all,
We're on that dreaded THTC tariff no-one knows about and I know time is running out and SSE will be wanting to change us over and I suspect they will use the opportunity to force a smart meter on us.
I don't really fancy one because of what I've heard about energy companies all to readily switching them into pre-payment modes.
I know I'll be told I'll be getting a new meter soon but I'd prefer a non-smart meter.
Does anyone know if these still exist or are they all smart meters now. And if so I think I'll need to quote the rule book to them so they don't force a smart meter on us. Can anyone tell me what I should say?
Thanks.

If they truly do have the legal right to install a smart meter against your will, and the will to exercise that right then there's little you can do - short of going off-grid.

Most people don't have the cash to test this in the courts. So quite frankly - the energy companies will be aware that they can coerce people into giving permission for this. Lets just say they have a vested interest in letting people believe that they have legal rights when really they don't. 

I think the best thing to do is write to them (recorded delivery), tell them you do not want a smart meter and ask them to tell you what the process will be if you don't give your permission. Ask them what the process will be (and who will cover the costs) if you refuse a smart meter and instead instruct them to move their faulty equipment from your home. Ask them to confirm that the only way to avoid having a smart meter (that you categorically do not want for your own personal reasons) is to be disconnected from the National Grid. 

Get them to put it all in writing. They won't be so keen to lie or mislead you in writing so ask very specific questions. 

It's section 39 of the electricity supply standard licence conditions (IIRC).

What those adamant that they won't have a smart meter need to do is get these answers, in writing, from their energy company. What matters is what your individual energy company intends to do when you outright refuse to have a smart meter. Once you have their intention in writing you can decide your next steps.  

Do the energy companies really want to back people into a corner so that their only way out is to be disconnected from the National Grid?  Maybe they do. Maybe not. Get  your energy companies intentions in writing before making any decisions. 

What an odd suggestion.  

There's no point going off half-cocked until you know exactly what the intention of the energy companies are. They may well just say 'no worries - we can find a way to let you keep your old meter (or a like-for-like swap)'. They're under pressure to get as many people onto smart meters as possible so of course they'll try it on. But if you make your position clear - in writing - you may well find that they consider forcing the issue to be more bother than it's worth. 

Once you know EXACTLY what their position is you can make an informed decision as to what to do next. 

People refusing smart meters are not making informed decisions. People can subscribe to conspiracy theories if they want, but that should have no impact on national infrastructure, not should those people be pandered to.

It's all starting to get a bit "Freeman on the Land".

Vexatious pseudo-legal 'tactics' are certainly a hallmark of the FotL

[Deleted User]

MattMattMattUK said:

Deleted_User said:

Deleted_User said:

Deleted_User said:

Deleted_User said:

Deleted_User said:

Glass1970 said:

Hi all,
We're on that dreaded THTC tariff no-one knows about and I know time is running out and SSE will be wanting to change us over and I suspect they will use the opportunity to force a smart meter on us.
I don't really fancy one because of what I've heard about energy companies all to readily switching them into pre-payment modes.
I know I'll be told I'll be getting a new meter soon but I'd prefer a non-smart meter.
Does anyone know if these still exist or are they all smart meters now. And if so I think I'll need to quote the rule book to them so they don't force a smart meter on us. Can anyone tell me what I should say?
Thanks.

If they truly do have the legal right to install a smart meter against your will, and the will to exercise that right then there's little you can do - short of going off-grid.

Most people don't have the cash to test this in the courts. So quite frankly - the energy companies will be aware that they can coerce people into giving permission for this. Lets just say they have a vested interest in letting people believe that they have legal rights when really they don't. 

I think the best thing to do is write to them (recorded delivery), tell them you do not want a smart meter and ask them to tell you what the process will be if you don't give your permission. Ask them what the process will be (and who will cover the costs) if you refuse a smart meter and instead instruct them to move their faulty equipment from your home. Ask them to confirm that the only way to avoid having a smart meter (that you categorically do not want for your own personal reasons) is to be disconnected from the National Grid. 

Get them to put it all in writing. They won't be so keen to lie or mislead you in writing so ask very specific questions. 

It's section 39 of the electricity supply standard licence conditions (IIRC).

What those adamant that they won't have a smart meter need to do is get these answers, in writing, from their energy company. What matters is what your individual energy company intends to do when you outright refuse to have a smart meter. Once you have their intention in writing you can decide your next steps.  

Do the energy companies really want to back people into a corner so that their only way out is to be disconnected from the National Grid?  Maybe they do. Maybe not. Get  your energy companies intentions in writing before making any decisions. 

What an odd suggestion.  

There's no point going off half-cocked until you know exactly what the intention of the energy companies are. They may well just say 'no worries - we can find a way to let you keep your old meter (or a like-for-like swap)'. They're under pressure to get as many people onto smart meters as possible so of course they'll try it on. But if you make your position clear - in writing - you may well find that they consider forcing the issue to be more bother than it's worth. 

Once you know EXACTLY what their position is you can make an informed decision as to what to do next. 

People refusing smart meters are not making informed decisions. People can subscribe to conspiracy theories if they want, but that should have no impact on national infrastructure, nor should those people be pandered to.

Energy companies may or may not agree with you.

If a individual (for whatever reason - they don't need to explain their reasoning if they don't want to) is certain that they don't want a Smart Meter installed on their property then their first step is to find out for certain (in writing) what the position of their energy company is.

If the energy company agree with you, then they can work out their next steps from there. e.g. legal action, media, MP, disconnecting from the National Grid. Or perhaps even just 'sucking it up'.

If the energy company are happy to accommodate people that don't want smart meters then a simple letter would have saved  a whole lot of grief and hassle. 

[Deleted User]

Deleted_User said:

MattMattMattUK said:

Deleted_User said:

Deleted_User said:

Deleted_User said:

Deleted_User said:

Deleted_User said:

Glass1970 said:

Hi all,
We're on that dreaded THTC tariff no-one knows about and I know time is running out and SSE will be wanting to change us over and I suspect they will use the opportunity to force a smart meter on us.
I don't really fancy one because of what I've heard about energy companies all to readily switching them into pre-payment modes.
I know I'll be told I'll be getting a new meter soon but I'd prefer a non-smart meter.
Does anyone know if these still exist or are they all smart meters now. And if so I think I'll need to quote the rule book to them so they don't force a smart meter on us. Can anyone tell me what I should say?
Thanks.

If they truly do have the legal right to install a smart meter against your will, and the will to exercise that right then there's little you can do - short of going off-grid.

Most people don't have the cash to test this in the courts. So quite frankly - the energy companies will be aware that they can coerce people into giving permission for this. Lets just say they have a vested interest in letting people believe that they have legal rights when really they don't. 

I think the best thing to do is write to them (recorded delivery), tell them you do not want a smart meter and ask them to tell you what the process will be if you don't give your permission. Ask them what the process will be (and who will cover the costs) if you refuse a smart meter and instead instruct them to move their faulty equipment from your home. Ask them to confirm that the only way to avoid having a smart meter (that you categorically do not want for your own personal reasons) is to be disconnected from the National Grid. 

Get them to put it all in writing. They won't be so keen to lie or mislead you in writing so ask very specific questions. 

It's section 39 of the electricity supply standard licence conditions (IIRC).

What those adamant that they won't have a smart meter need to do is get these answers, in writing, from their energy company. What matters is what your individual energy company intends to do when you outright refuse to have a smart meter. Once you have their intention in writing you can decide your next steps.  

Do the energy companies really want to back people into a corner so that their only way out is to be disconnected from the National Grid?  Maybe they do. Maybe not. Get  your energy companies intentions in writing before making any decisions. 

What an odd suggestion.  

There's no point going off half-cocked until you know exactly what the intention of the energy companies are. They may well just say 'no worries - we can find a way to let you keep your old meter (or a like-for-like swap)'. They're under pressure to get as many people onto smart meters as possible so of course they'll try it on. But if you make your position clear - in writing - you may well find that they consider forcing the issue to be more bother than it's worth. 

Once you know EXACTLY what their position is you can make an informed decision as to what to do next. 

People refusing smart meters are not making informed decisions. People can subscribe to conspiracy theories if they want, but that should have no impact on national infrastructure, nor should those people be pandered to.

Energy companies may or may not agree with you.

If a individual (for whatever reason - they don't need to explain their reasoning if they don't want to) is certain that they don't want a Smart Meter installed on their property then their first step is to find out for certain (in writing) what the position of their energy company is.

If the energy company agree with you, then they can work out their next steps from there. e.g. legal action, media, MP, disconnecting from the National Grid. Or perhaps even just 'sucking it up'.

If the energy company are happy to accommodate people that don't want smart meters then a simple letter would have saved  a whole lot of grief and hassle. 

"My energy supplier is complying with the terms of their licence" seems like a very odd complaint to try going to court, the media, or an MP about.